Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters prior to Game 7 that Chris Bosh would not start but will play in Game 7.

Bosh played more minutes in Game 6 than in Game 7, and it’s difficult to see the advantage in feeding Udonis Haslem to the KG lions, but maybe Spoelstra’s “riding the hot hand” or whatever. Regardless, Bosh will have an opportunity to close out the game, and maybe saving him for the second half is a better plan anyway. If Spoelstra continues to ride Haslem when Garnett is working them over inside, that could be the ballgame. This is not about Haslem being a bad player, he’s tough as nails and the heart of the team. But he’s completely outmatched.

Bosh will play in just his third game since returning from an abdominal strain that sidelined him in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pacers.